WASHINGTON, D.C., September 30, 2002 -- UPDATE 6:00 p.m. (EST) The Peace Corps' consolidation of all 133 volunteers serving in Cote d'Ivoire, Africa, is nearing completion. This consolidation has been without incident. The Peace Corps is coordinating the consolidation in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan and the Department of State in Washington. Both the Peace Corps and the Department of State confirm that all volunteers have been contacted and are accounted for. The safety and security of volunteers remains the highest priority of the Peace Corps.

There was an attempted coup d'etat on September 19, 2002 involving gunfire in the capital, Abidjan, and the cities of Bouake and Korhogo. Korhogo and Bouake have been held by "rebel" or opposition forces since September 20. There has been no hostile activity directed at Peace Corps volunteers, Americans, Europeans or their property. The Peace Corps remains in regular contact with all volunteers and will continue to communicate throughout the relocation process.

The U.S. State Department's travel warning for Cote d'Ivoire urging U.S. citizens to defer travel to the country at this time is still in effect. American citizens who reside in Cote d'Ivoire have been advised to make arrangements to temporarily depart the country. The airport in Abidjan is open and the international airlines continue to fly to and from the country. There are approximately 2,300 U.S. citizens who reside in Cote d'Ivoire.

Family members may make inquiries about Cote d’Ivoire/Peace Corps volunteers from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 800.424.8580, extension 1470. After hours, inquiries may be referred to the Peace Corps Duty Officer at 202.638.2574 or via email at ossdutyofficer@peacecorps.gov. Peace Corps continues to monitor the situation and regular updates will be posted as new information becomes available.

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Story Source: Peace Corps Press Release

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Ivory Coast; Safety and Security of Volunteers

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